sympathetic

adjective

ˌsim-pə-ˈthe-tik How to pronounce sympathetic (audio)
Definition of sympatheticnext
1
as in compassionate
having or showing the capacity for sharing the feelings of another a sympathetic smile needed a sympathetic listener who would understand her marital woes

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in benevolent
having or marked by sympathy and consideration for others a sympathetic store manager who let us use the telephone sympathetic letters from supporters after the disappointing verdict

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of sympathetic So the landlord was sympathetic to the cause and the idea of having a bookstore here. — Marc Weingarten, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2026 Don’t worry, the breakdown starts in a hurry and Cardellini is terrifying, if perhaps not as sympathetic as the series requires long-term. — Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 13 Oct. 2026 The misery of the situation could feel overwhelming, even cruel, but Cahyono’s observation of Sumiati’s struggles is humane and sympathetic. — Kambole Campbell, Variety, 10 Oct. 2026 Mills, sympathetic to conspiratorial beliefs about the 2020 election and hailed by some election skeptics as a champion of voting integrity, has long clashed with members, squabbling over his power. — Caleb Groves, AJC.com, 9 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sympathetic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sympathetic
  1. compassionate
  2. benevolent
  3. kind
  4. thoughtful
  5. humane
Adjective
  • Others discussed overcoming the initial awkwardness of the work and finding satisfaction in helping doctors become more competent and compassionate.
    — Daniel Hunt, Sacbee.com, 18 Oct. 2026
  • At the same time, the lawsuits contend that chatbots are pretending to be agreeable and compassionate while preying on the vulnerable and on teenagers, the first generation to grow up with artificial intelligence.
    — Marc Levy, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of compassionate
Adjective
  • Larger-than-life Halloween celebrations rise up every October like the Great Pumpkin (or a benevolent spooky spirit or two) to captivate visitors with parades, caramel apples, costume contests, and more.
    — Michelle Mastro, Midwest Living, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Promotional images and films conjured a playful, adaptable and benevolent house — plastic as the building block of family happiness.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of benevolent
Adjective
  • Shapira paints a picture of a kinder, gentler war, where technology takes soldiers away from the trenches and from the tanks, to a chair behind a screen.
    — Margaux MacColl, Vanity Fair, 21 Oct. 2026
  • Five days after Bela Bajaria was fired as Netflix‘s Chief Content Officer and replaced by Peter Rice, Ted Sarandos had nothing but kind words for his former loyal lieutenant, kinda.
    — Dominic Patten, Deadline, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of kind
Adjective
  • Amenities and experiences Dublin’s literary heritage, inspired by the likes of Oscar Wilde, seeps through the walls of The Wilder Townhouse and is reflected in thoughtful details throughout the entire experience.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Eddie Pepperell, among the most thoughtful players, missed the cut last week in South Korea and wound up one spot out of a full European tour card for 2027.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of thoughtful
Adjective
  • The bill also calls for humane placement of animals and assistance for displaced workers.
    — Elijah Westbrook, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026
  • There are also no state laws that say pet owners must dispose of their deceased animals in a humane manner, according to The Pet Memorial.
    — Angela Rodriguez, Sacbee.com, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of humane

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symmetry
sympathetic
sympathetically
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Cite this Entry

“Sympathetic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sympathetic. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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